Page 47 of His Team

“Oh, come on, it didn’t even start. How could you know that?”

“Hit me with another. Try something you know wasn’t one of their popular songs. Make it hard for me.”

I go to another album to do as he says. I bite my lip as I choose the next one. I click on the next song and look up into his eyes.

The smile that comes to his face makes my belly flip. He allows his gaze to roll over me before he answers. I sit up and clear my throat.

“Track twelve. ‘Let’s Do It All.’The Show, the After-Party, the Hotelalbum,” he says as heat fills his eyes.

I tune into the lyrics and realize my mistake. I quickly jump from that album and find something else. The song comes on and Cam stands and holds his hand out.

I hesitantly take his hand and stand with him, dropping his phone on the couch. He pulls me into his arms and begins to sway me in his embrace. He looks me right in the eyes.

I’m lost in his gaze. My heart is pounding and that pulsing between my legs is happening.

“‘What About Us.’ Track four.Diary of a Mad Bandalbum. Also track nine on theBack to the Future-The Very Best of Jodecialbum. This one is perfect,” he murmurs.

As Jodeci croons about being in need of love, I know I should back away. It might even be time to go. However, instead of running like I should, I wrap my arms around his neck.

I bite my lip as my mind screams all the reasons we shouldn’t do this. He’s angry with his girlfriend, but they’re not on a break this time. I have a madman waiting for me to return to marry him.

As much as we feel like we should be together, we can’t be. Cam reaches beneath my hair and palms the back of my neck. When I look into his eyes, I can see him pleading for something, but I can't give him an answer as my own confusion takes over.

He dips his head to kiss me, but I duck at the last minute and his lips meet my forehead. He allows his lips to linger against my skin as I drop my arms from around his neck and place my hands on his waist.

“Sorry,” he says and releases me to back away.

“Cam, I?—”

“We’re friends. We both have a lot of shit going on. Kay doesn’t deserve this.

“This isn’t who I am. I’m sorry. Thanks for the company. You really took my mind off things. Let me walk you home.”

I nod. “Okay, thanks. I had fun. Maybe we can text or hang out sometime, like we used to.”

“I’d like that. I’ll definitely stop giving you the cold shoulder in chem class.”

I snort. “Yeah, same here.”

I go to collect my trash and empty containers while he grabs our coats. I don’t really want to leave and go back to my lonely place, but he’s right. I’m not that girl. I’m not about to sleep with someone else’s boyfriend.

“Maribel, can I call you Amina?”

I turn to look up at him and smile. “My mom calls me Mina. It’s been my nickname since I was little.”

“I like that. Is it okay for me too?”

“Yeah, Mina or Amina are fine.”

“Cool. Mina?”

“Yes, Cam?”

“Don’t give up. Things will work out. I believe you’ll find a way out.”

“Thanks, Cam. I needed to hear that. I think you and Kay will figure things out too. Sounds like you two used to be good friends. Try to keep that in mind.

“We grow up and life changes, but true friendships have a way of lasting. Don’t give up on the good things,” I reply.

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